London: Killed 26 of Queen Elizabeth II’s swans on the banks of the Thames River in the British Royal Family’s Windsor Castle. Actually, this has been done because there is a danger of spreading bird flu. Six swans were told that they died of avian influenza. In such a situation, there is a fear of spreading the virus. In total, 33 birds have died so far.
Veterinarians at the Swan Lifeline Rescue Center were called by the Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs to kill the swans humanely. Queen Elizabeth is the owner of all mute swans, these swans are found in open water in Britain. According to the report of The Sun Online, the Queen’s swan marker David Barber has informed her about the swans being killed. Elizabeth is very sad to get this information and has said that she should be kept updated with every development. Britain’s Queen Elizabeth is the mistress of every mute swan found in the country. This has been going on for a long time.
In the 12th century, the king laid claim on all the swans
Every summer, a program is traditionally organized on the River Thames, in which a herd of swans and their numbers are evaluated and their records are kept. This event is known as Swan Upping (a goose-catching activity). This program dates back to the 12th century when the ownership of all unmarked mute swans in open water in Britain was claimed by the king of the royal throne. The intention behind this was that the supply of swans for food should never be interrupted. Presently, the Queen exercises this right over these swans only in parts of the River Thames and surrounding tributaries.
What is done in Swan Upping?
Ownership over swans is shared with the ‘Worshipful Company of Winters’ and ‘The Worshipful Company of Dyers’, who were granted ownership rights by the king in the 15th century. At the same time, now health checkup of swans and their children is done during Swan Upping. In addition, their weight is taken and any injuries are assessed.
However, due to the ongoing coronavirus epidemic in Britain, the work of counting swans is going to be interrupted. It is estimated that there are 150 to 200 swans within a three km radius of Windsor Castle.
